“Good morning, Mr. Becker.” “Hello, Miss Malone.” Mr. Becker was cordial to his customers, but Kate knew she wasn’t his favorite person. He wiped his hands on his apron and leaned in against the counter. “What can I get for you today?” “Actually, I came here with a proposition for you. As you know, the Silver Saddle opened a short while ago. Business is fairly good, but I think I know a way both of us can prosper even more.” The tall, lanky man scratched his head. “I don’t know, miss. Folks around here don’t much approve of your saloon.” “This is business, Mr. Becker. And it’s between you and me.” Kate pressed her point by lowering her voice. “I have a glass case by the bar ready to sell items from your store. If we can agree on terms, both of us stand to benefit.” His eyebrows lifted and Kate knew she had his attention. “Hmm, what kind of items?” “I’d like to sell pickles, tobacco, candies. Those sorts of things. If you supply them for me, we’ll share in the profits.”
